DIY Copy Stand.

in2Coins

Has any member built their own copy stand? If yes, let’s see them.

OAKSTAR

That's impressive! Very Nice!! 👍🏻

marmac

That looks great!!

JWP

@in2Coins Where did you locate the different pieces?

The_Dinosaur_Man

Looking good! I tried the route of building my own before landing the Polaroid stand. Kudos to you and your efforts.

in2Coins

@JWP said:
@in2Coins Where did you locate the different pieces?

You can get all the components at Amazon except the camera mount. Search for 4040 Aluminum Extrusion and the rest of the components will also show up. I picked the 4040 AL Extrusion because it’s super sturdy. I also selected the 600mm (23.60”) long to accommodate longer lens.

Below are the itemized components.

1. 600mm 4040 Aluminum Profile
2. 4040 Corner Brackets Set with 16PCs M8 T Slot Nuts, 16Pcs M8x18mm Hex Socket Cap Screw and 1Pcs M5 Wrench for 2020 Series, Aluminum Extrusion Profile
3. 1/4"-20 x 1/2" Thumb Screw Stainless Steel - Black Tee Wing Plastic Knob
4. uxcell M8 × 16mm Handle Adjustable Clamping Lever Thread Push Button Ratchet, Male Threaded Stud Knobs
5. uxcell Standard Plastic Square Aluminum Extrusion End Cap

As I stated, I haven’t decided on the base board yet.

The camera mount is the key that makes this works smoothly. I designed it and had it milled using Delrin material. I have two more left. I am also working on another camera mount design. I will post it as well when done.

Mr_Spud

It looks great, really sturdy. When I used to use a Canon Rebel EOS with a macro lens I used to use a laboratory ring stand as a copy stand. It worked good, but was flimsy.

ProofCollection

I found this to be a good alternative for $30. I use it with my Canon T2i. I was concerned that it couldn't handle the weight but it works just fine.

Amazon PN: B09Y24B3X9

Of course, you have to have remote shoot or it will shake when you touch it.

jesbroken

Whatever you use for base material, you might consider to go with 1/8" steel plate underneath to allow a thinner substance, whether wood or acrylic, to be used than a thick board. This will give you both weight you might want for the base and the sturdiness for the camera stability. Great idea. I'm looking at your rig on Amazon.
Jim

in2Coins

@jesbroken said:
Whatever you use for base material, you might consider to go with 1/8" steel plate underneath to allow a thinner substance, whether wood or acrylic, to be used than a thick board. This will give you both weight you might want for the base and the sturdiness for the camera stability. Great idea. I'm looking at your rig on Amazon.
Jim

Great input on the metal plate, Jim 👍🏻. I actually saved a 12 x 12 x 1/4 thick alum plate in my cart for the same reason you pointed out. I was trying to keep the cost down. That’s the beauty of building your own. You can configure your stand as you see fit. The Alum Extrusion gives us all sorts of way to build a robust stand at relatively low cost.

in2Coins

@ProofCollection said:
I found this to be a good alternative for $30. I use it with my Canon T2i. I was concerned that it couldn't handle the weight but it works just fine.

Amazon PN: B09Y24B3X9

Of course, you have to have remote shoot or it will shake when you touch it.

Glad this works for you. I’ve tried several table clamp stand styles and they are not sturdy enough for me. Pictures are always blurry even with mirror less camera or mirror lock up capable DSLR using remote or timer.

I took this pic at 3.5x mag with this rig to check for blurriness due to vibration at single plane focus and it’s very sharp.

Below is focus stacked from 10 pics.

And 3d shot. Also focus stacked from 30 pics.

OnWithTheHunt

Picked up the stand and the arms for the lights for $10 at a school tag sale. Cannibalized shades from a few gooseneck desk lamps and attached them. And the level on top of the camera helps keep everything ,uh, level.

And this is what it does.

ProofCollection

@OnWithTheHunt How do you eliminate the glare from the lights?

OnWithTheHunt

@ProofCollection said:
@OnWithTheHunt How do you eliminate the glare from the lights?

Trial and error. I try and position them off to the sides and on an angle. It's not foolproof but I usually can manage. But most circulated coins, like the one shown, need only the single light directly behind the camera for a good exposure. The others I have to play with when shooting sets or highly reflective coins, like uncs or proofs. I've experimented with homemade shades, but haven't yet found something that works.

BStrauss3

This one has always seemed to be the cadilac... https://petapixel.com/2022/06/11/how-to-build-a-diy-t-rex-stand-for-macro-photography/

NumisOxide

Looks good! A couple months ago I built my own stand with ikea lights built in. I used a piece of steel square tubing, rivet nuts, and a camera rail. Most purchased from amazon. I bought a piece of oak board at Lowes.

rmpsrpms

I really like the Delrin camera clamp. I use Arca clamps and plates to do a similar function.

sedulous

Images: Gold

Images: Silver

• Tim

Bigtree

Anyone else use a standing desk as a copy stand? I didn’t want to spend much, so I bought a $20 camera clamp, $30 extension tubes, and a couple of gooseneck lamps (not shown in photo) to round out the rig.

WaterSport

I didn't spend a lot on my light box ...

ricko

@in2Coins... That looks like an excellent setup....sturdy and functional... Great work. Cheers, RickO

ProofCollection

@WaterSport said:
I didn't spend a lot on my light box ...

Probably be cause it's long past expired? l)

jacrispies

For the cheap skates, a smartphone, empty cardboard box, and grandpa's old desklamps works well enough. The two lamps are completely different warmths. Good enough!

Used a cheap garage sale loupe for this shot: